INEC Postpones Bye Election, Cites Security Breach

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has postponed its schedule bye election after meeting with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, to review preparations for the 15 bye-elections in 11 States of the Federation scheduled to hold on 31st October 2020 citing security breach

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye,  in a press statment said “Reason for the postponement is in compliance with the provision of Electoral Act 2010 as amended, adding that the peace of any poll cannot be compromised for any reason”

His words: ” Accordingly, the Commission has decided to postpone the bye-elections in the 6 Senatorial Districts and 9 State Constituencies. This decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.

” The Commission will continue to monitor the situation in all the States and Constituencies, consult with relevant Stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.

Okoye urged stakeholders to bear in mind that it is only in an atmosphere of calm and safety of electorates that election can be adjured to be free and fair.

“The Commission appeals for calm and understanding of the stakeholders and voters in the States where elections were scheduled. The safety of the voters, election officials and other stakeholders is paramount to the Commission in conducting elections.

” We are convinced that the country will emerge from the current challenges stronger while our electoral process will continue to improve”, he said.